Meghan Hodges
Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. It is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe and a major cause of premature death and disease worldwide, with more than 6.5 million deaths each year. It is responsible for a wide range of diseases, including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections, lung cancer, and heart disease. Even at levels below federal standards, air pollution can affect people's health. It can cause coughing, itchy eyes, and trigger asthma attacks. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, is the air pollutant driving the most significant health problems and premature mortality. These particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream and travel to organs, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells. Maternal exposure to air pollution is associated with adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight, pre-term birth, and small for gestational age births.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health issues | Cancer, respiratory infections, aggravated asthma, stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, coughing, itchy eyes, wheezing, coughing, reduced lung function, heart attacks, abnormal heartbeats, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, diabetes, neurological development in children, obesity, mutagenicity in cells, and adverse birth outcomes. |
| Sources of air pollution | Vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas, chemical production, smoke from wildfires, ash and gases from volcanic eruptions, methane, industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, road dust, smoke, industrial emissions, pollen, gas-fueled yard equipment, chemicals, wood smoke, radon, lead dust, carbon monoxide, mold, volatile organic compounds, biological pollutants, and more. |
| Sources of water pollution | Sewage leaks, agricultural runoff, waste dumping, nitrate, human-made chemical compounds, fertilizers, and plastic additives. |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution and respiratory issues
Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. Vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas, manufacturing by-products, and power generation are the primary sources of human-made air pollution. Smoke from wildfires, ash and gases from volcanic eruptions, and gases like methane emitted from decomposing organic matter are examples of natural sources.
Air pollution is a major threat to global health, causing over 6.5 million deaths annually worldwide. It is responsible for a variety of respiratory issues, including coughing, itchy eyes, and worsened breathing and lung diseases. Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to lung conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also trigger asthma attacks and cause wheezing and coughing, especially in people who already have asthma or COPD.
Fine particulate matter, a critical component of both ambient and household air pollution, can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and cause systemic damage to tissues and cells. Ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide are other damaging pollutants. They can irritate the airways, increase lung symptoms, and cause respiratory infections.
Children are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution than adults because their lungs are still developing, and they breathe faster, taking in more polluted air. Exposure to air pollution during infancy increases the risk of developing asthma and COPD later in life. Low-income communities and minority populations are disproportionately exposed to air pollution and are more vulnerable to adverse health impacts, including respiratory issues.
Overall, air pollution has severe respiratory consequences, affecting people of all ages, but especially children and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Taking steps to reduce exposure to air pollution can help mitigate its adverse health effects.
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Water pollution and infant health
Water pollution is a pressing issue that poses a toxic threat to infant health. The availability of clean water is essential for ensuring infant health and survival. Unfortunately, water pollution has become a global concern, with many countries lacking access to safe drinking water. Water pollution occurs when human or natural activities introduce contaminants into water sources, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater. These contaminants can include chemical pollutants, such as pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals, which can cause serious health issues if ingested.
The impact of water pollution on infant mortality is more severe in developing countries, where access to improved water sources and sanitation facilities is limited. For example, in Nigeria, the lack of access to clean water and sanitation among children under five years old is a serious public health issue. Moreover, water pollution disrupts the food chain, with toxins accumulating from lower-level organisms to higher-level organisms. This means that even if infants are not directly consuming contaminated water, they can still be exposed to harmful toxins through the consumption of fish or other animals that have absorbed pollutants.
Studies have shown that water pollution can have significant effects on birth weight and gestation, particularly among infants born to less educated mothers. Additionally, poor and minority children are more likely to be affected by water pollution, contributing to observed group-level differences in health at birth. Policymakers aiming to address inequality should consider the role played by environmental exposures of pregnant mothers.
Furthermore, while there have been limited studies on the long-term effects of water pollution on infant health, it is known that even relatively low levels of pollution can affect infants' health. The consequences of water pollution can be severe, with the World Health Organization (WHO) attributing 1.7 million child deaths per year to unhealthy environments, including unsafe water and lack of sanitation. Therefore, it is crucial to address water pollution and improve access to safe drinking water to protect infant health and reduce child mortality.
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Pollution and cancer
Air pollution is a mix of solid particles and liquid droplets that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. These particles are known as particulate matter (PM) and are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller, known as PM2.5. PM2.5 is a mix of solid particles and liquid droplets that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Sources of PM2.5 include coal- and natural gas-fired plants, cars, agriculture, wildfires, wood-burning stoves, unpaved roads, and construction sites.
Outdoor air pollution is a significant cause of lung cancer, with studies showing a clear link between the two. Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and is the leading cause of cancer death, with an estimated 2.1 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths occurring in 2018. Air pollution causes up to 29% of all lung cancer deaths, and in the UK, it causes about 1 in 10 cases of lung cancer. Short-term exposure to elevated levels of air pollution can affect lung function, exacerbate asthma, and even cause death. Long-term exposure can cause chronic conditions like cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and lung cancer.
The tiny particles in air pollution may build up in the lungs and damage the DNA in cells, changing how cells divide and leading to cancer. Pollution may also spark defects in DNA repair function, alterations in the body's immune response, or inflammation that triggers angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels that allow tumors to spread. In addition, air pollution may negatively impact the quality of life of people living with cancer by exacerbating respiratory symptoms, increasing fatigue, reducing physical activity, and worsening treatment side effects. It may also interfere with cancer treatments by reducing the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs, increasing surgical complications, and potentially interacting with targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
While the evidence is more limited, some studies suggest that air pollution may be associated with an increased risk of mortality for several other types of cancer, including breast, liver, and pancreatic cancer. In addition, pollution may affect gut microbiota and influence the development of cancer in the digestive organs.
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Soil pollution and cardiovascular disease
Soil pollution is a leading environmental cause of disease, contributing to over 9 million premature deaths annually. Soil contamination by heavy metals, pesticides, and plastics is driven by industrial activity, agriculture, and waste mismanagement. These pollutants induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal disruption, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While there has been a substantial decline in CVD-related deaths in high-income countries, pollution is a significant contributing factor in low- to middle-income countries. Soil pollution, in particular, poses a threat to cardiovascular health through various pathways. Firstly, toxic chemicals in the soil, such as heavy metals like cadmium and lead, can be consumed orally or inhaled as dust, leading to endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular issues. These heavy metals can also enter our food supply chains, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease for anyone consuming contaminated produce.
Pesticides are another significant contributor to soil pollution, with agricultural and chemical industry employees facing the greatest exposure. However, the general public may also ingest pesticides from contaminated food, soil, and water, leading to an elevated risk of CVD. Furthermore, emerging contaminants like micro- and nanoplastics in the soil have been linked to cardiovascular dysfunction. While research is ongoing, these particles can reach the bloodstream and potentially cause systemic inflammation and cardiometabolic disease.
The effects of soil pollution on cardiovascular health are not limited to direct exposure to toxins. Climate change, deforestation, and wildfires also play a role in exacerbating soil pollution. Deforestation, for example, reduces soil fertility and compromises water purification, leading to soil erosion and the release of sequestered pollutants into the air and water. These indirect consequences of soil pollution further contribute to cardiovascular risks for affected populations.
To mitigate the impact of soil pollution on cardiovascular health, controlling soil and water pollution is crucial. Strategies such as reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, improving water filtration, managing air quality, and adopting sustainable land-use practices are essential. Additionally, promoting sustainable urban design, reducing pesticide use, and improving environmental regulations can help tackle the root causes of soil pollution, thereby reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease caused by this invisible threat.
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Indoor air pollution
While outdoor air pollution is often regarded as a more pressing issue, the air we breathe indoors can also be polluted and harmful to human health. People in the US, for example, spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.
The health effects of indoor air pollution can be severe, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the very young, older adults, and people with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory diseases. Exposure to indoor air pollution can cause and worsen breathing and lung diseases, leading to hospitalizations, cancer, or even premature death. Fine particulate matter, a common pollutant in indoor air, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells. Other pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and radon, can also have serious health impacts, including lethal consequences in the case of elevated carbon monoxide levels.
To address indoor air pollution, it is important to improve ventilation, reduce the use of polluting fuels and technologies, and limit exposure to known pollutants. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed guidelines for indoor air quality and household fuel combustion, recommending the use of clean fuels and technologies such as solar, electricity, biogas, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution is the presence of one or more contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapour, in quantities and durations that can be harmful to human health.
Air pollution can enter the body through the respiratory tract. Pollutants can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout the body, impacting the lungs, heart, and brain, among other organs, and ultimately leading to disease.
Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year worldwide. It is responsible for a range of diseases, including respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and asthma. It can also worsen pre-existing conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema.
Air pollution comes from both human-made and natural sources. Vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas, manufacturing by-products, power generation, and chemical production are significant human-made sources. Natural sources include smoke from wildfires, ash and gases from volcanic eruptions, and gases like methane emitted from decomposing organic matter.
People can reduce their exposure to air pollution by avoiding wood smoke, vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and other sources of airborne particles. Staying indoors and avoiding prolonged outdoor exertion near busy roadways or on days with poor air quality can also help minimise exposure.
